We were visiting in town for a couple days and looking for new places to try. A dear friend gave us a tip about this place. Oh, we are going to owe her our undying gratitude! We walked in the front door from the busy street and were met by a friendly, happy hostess who assured us that our reserved table was ready and would we please follow her right this way.
Along the way to our booth, we were cheerfully advised that the menu and specials were all still available and fresh. OH, and could she get us anything before she sent our server over? We thanked her and she went on to share her happy glow with the next guests. Yes... an excellent start (but things were about to get exponentially better.)
Our table of three was greeted by Rachel who asked what could she get started for us? Of course, libations were immediately in order. Let's note that they were excellent and the broad variety of options available here was nothing short of impressive.
We ordered two entrees and a Cobb salad after grilling Rachel about every detail of the menu, sides, specials, suggestions and recommendations. It seemed like we barely had time to chat, trade a few stories, and remark about the fine woodwork furnishings and our food arrived. Everything was presented in a visually pleasing display. My seafood sampler (halibut, cod and prawns ... yummmmmmmm drool yummmmm) was cooked perfectly and generously portioned (to say the least!)
One of our group tried the Cougar cheeseburger and could barely finish it. "This thing is HUGE and SOOOO GOOD!" The entire plate could probably have been enough to share (but it was too darn good to want to do so.)
The Cobb salad was fresh, well adorned and constructed. The vibrant colors lent themselves to that old truth that we "eat with our eyes." The size of this salad seems almost like a challenge to "try and finish it... yeah, go ahead." I'm told it was quite tasty.
So, "The Onion" in downtown Spokane ... nice setting and well arranged? Check! -- Clean and well kept? Check! -- Superlative food and drink? Check! Service excellence? Check! ....... STOP RIGHT THERE!
When (it's not an "if" question) ... WHEN you go, ask for a table in Rachel R.'s section. You're worth it and you deserve it. If you want to be absolutely spoiled rotten, pampered like family, and welcomed like a bestie... you ask for Rachel. Her effervescent personality alone would bring people in the door, to be sure. But it gets better than that. She knew every detail about her menu, specials, house-unique items, beverage options ... to an impressive degree. It took only moments to feel that transition from "paying customer" to a feeling of "so glad to meet you, my new great friends!"
You will thank me, so remember her name .... R-A-C-H-E-L ... and you can thank me for that insider tip with a nice bourbon next time we're both there... fair deal? Deal and done.
One final note... if the staff happen to see your military or veteran i.d.? Well, just go and find out for yourself. You're worth it... what are you waiting for? GO!!! ... (And don't forget to ask for Rachel!!!) read more